Nautipolis is the aquatic center of the Valbonne-Sophia-Antipolis community. It opened its doors to the general public on January 4th and offers aquatic activities, a fitness and wellness area, and a restaurant. The project was led by the CASA (Agglomeration Community of Sophia-Antipolis) and supervised by Récréa, a company specializing in the equipment of aquatic and wellness complexes.
A dive into the heart of the establishment to get a clearer picture.
This Wednesday, Nautipolis held its open days, exclusively reserved for children. It’s a free discovery day that allows our dear little blond heads to familiarize themselves with the lifeguards and fully enjoy the aquatic activities designed for them. For parents, it’s a “cool” day since they can leave their kids in good hands and enjoy a nice long break. Here, it’s Benoit, responsible for the aquatic and reception area, who takes care of children aged 4 to 6 months with “baby swimming” as well as older ones up to 99 years (or more).
For teenagers, the complex pulls out all the stops to attract them by offering well-known, recognized, even trendy classes with the famous “Zumba” (energetic Latin dance) and Sh’bam (very dynamic and sporty dance). Classes led by Sonia Lecapelain, head of fitness, who emphasizes that it is in response to “a growing demand from 14-18-year-olds.” What she wishes is to mix sports activities and the “fun side” to attract a wide audience. Speaking of the audience, the complex “expects a lot from these open days,” and whilst the primary working tool is aquatic, there is nevertheless a “client base that only reserves it for fitness.”
Great versatility and well-seasoned professionals could compete with the large fitness centers already established in the market. Nautipolis might also fear not living up to its commitments, but as Sonia reminds us, the complex “has everything to prove.” The clientele is not the same as in gyms since Nautipolis insists on the “family” aspect.
For the older ones, it all happens on the first floor, a room with a fitness and relaxation area (cardio, muscle training) that can accommodate around forty people. And as the saying goes: after effort comes comfort! A restaurant has been inaugurated and is available to subscribers and others. Even night events are planned, with a DJ overlooking the pools, colors, and a general party extending throughout the whole complex; they have really gone all out. Comes the question of numbers, and here it’s Stéphanie Favril, commercial director, who takes charge; there are “around 1400 visits on weekends and 600 to 900 on weekdays.” She highlights that this center was “awaited for 40 years by the Valbonne residents.” This project was thus brought to life thanks to CASA (Agglomeration Community of Sophia-Antipolis), which owns the buildings and has signed a six-year contract with Récréa, the company managing the complex.
Through these open days, Nautipolis is therefore naturally conducting a communication stunt. For Benoit, “the first aquatic complex of its kind on the Côte d’Azur promises to succeed in its challenge but requires even more communication,” while his colleague, Sonia, explains that the center did not want to be “flashy.” In any case, despite the sunshine, the
